Japan's conservative daily Sankei Shimbun has renewed its territorial claims over Dokdo, timing the assertion with Shimane Prefecture's "Takeshima Day" event.
In an editorial dated February 22, Sankei claimed that "Takeshima is Japan's inherent territory and South Korea has been illegally occupying it for over 70 years," urging its return. The newspaper has published editorials on Dokdo annually to coincide with "Takeshima Day" on February 22.
The paper asserted that Japan has used Dokdo as a fishing base since the Edo period, claiming South Korea began its "unjust occupation" based on the so-called "Syngman Rhee Line" proclaimed in 1952.
The editorial also criticized the Japanese government's level of response. It noted that while the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers attend "Northern Territories Day" events, only a parliamentary vice-minister from the Cabinet Office is dispatched to Takeshima Day, calling for an upgrade in representation. The paper emphasized that the Prime Minister or cabinet ministers should attend in person rather than sending video messages.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had previously mentioned cabinet-level attendance during a Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, but following convention, a parliamentary vice-minister attended this year's event. Kyodo News observed this appeared to be "a measure considering the trend of improving Japan-South Korea relations."
Shimane Prefecture unilaterally announced the incorporation of Dokdo into its administrative jurisdiction on February 22, 1905, and established "Takeshima Day" in 2005 to commemorate the date. Since 2013, the Japanese government has sent parliamentary vice-ministers to the annual event, continuing its territorial claims.
'Takeshima' Promotion Extends to Government Cafeteria
The controversy extends beyond editorials and commemorative events.
Every February, the basement cafeteria of the Shimane Prefectural Government building serves "Takeshima Curry"—seafood curry over rice shaped like Dokdo, topped with a flag reading "Takeshima." The dish has been sold for three consecutive years from 2024 through this year.
Limited to 110 servings, the menu item has drawn criticism as a symbolic attempt to naturally instill "territorial awareness" among local government employees and citizens. Analysts interpret it as a strategy of repeatedly exposing sovereignty claims in everyday spaces beyond simple events.
Shimane Prefecture has held related events annually since 2006 and has strengthened exhibitions and promotions at the "Takeshima Archives" on the second floor of its government building. Critics point to historical distortion, particularly the use of the Japanese sea lion—which once inhabited Dokdo but was driven to extinction by indiscriminate hunting during Japan's colonial period—as a mascot on stickers, stuffed toys, and origami.
This year marks the 20th anniversary, with expanded programming including special exhibitions, publication of booklets, and cable TV broadcasts.
Professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin Women's University criticized the events, stating, "These activities are a strategy to instill the perception that Dokdo is Japanese territory among local government employees and residents." He added, "Will this make Dokdo Japanese territory?"